Red Bulls name Hans Backe new coach

Courtesy of the New York Red BullsRed Bulls General Manager and Sporting Director Erik Soler has named Hans Backe as the team's new head coach.

SECAUCUS, N.J. -- The Red Bulls have hired Hans Backe as their new coach.

The team made the announcement Thursday. Backe will retain assistant coach Richie Williams and goalkeeper coach Des McAleenan.

The team also hired Jeremy Holsopple as its strength and conditioning coach.

“I have followed Hans’ career for many years and I think he will be an excellent coach for this team,” said Red Bull New York General Manager and Sporting Director Erik Soler in a statement released by the team. “Hans brings a vast amount of experience from a variety of different clubs in Europe and he has been a fantastic mentor for many young and established players. We are confident that he will be able to help our club accomplish our goal of competing for a MLS Cup.”

“I am pleased that Richie Williams and Des McAleenan will remain with the club,” Soler continued. “They are both important to the success of the organization with their depth of player and league knowledge.”

Backe has almost three decades coaching in Europe. He captured four Danish titles, including three with FC Copenhagen. He also won the Danish Cup in 2004 and the Danish Super Cup in 2001 and 2004 with Copenhagen.

The 57-year-old Swede joins the Red Bulls after a short stint with English League Two side, Notts County. He also worked as an assistant manager at Manchester City with former England team manager Sven-Goran Eriksson from 2007-08.

“I am extremely excited to join the Red Bulls,” Backe said in the statement released by the team. “It is evident with the stadium and the resources available that Red Bull is very committed to making this club the best in Major League Soccer. I hope that I can bring my expertise to the club and build a winning squad for our supporters.”

An updated look at new Red Bull Arena

An updated look at the new Red Bull ArenaWith many of the seats in place and the grass field laid down, the New York Red Bulls gave us another look inside their new Harrison stadium. (Video by Michael Monday/The Star-Ledger)